Game Plan for LSU - Run at 'Bama's Defense

The Tigers and the Crimson Tide want to run the ball when they have it and stop the run when they don't.

Alabama has been adept at stopping the run this year. Opponents average 65.6 yards rushing, or 2.6 yards per carry.

However, the Crimson Tide has played the easiest schedule of any SEC team (rated 80th out of 119 Division I-A squads). Also, because Alabama has been ahead virtually every minute of the season, teams have attempted fewer rushes against it than any other SEC squad. But when a defense has surrendered one rushing touchdown in nine games and played against Georgia's Knowshon Moreno, as Alabama has, it is no wonder that team is ranked atop the conference in rushing defense.

The Tide also is No. 1 in the SEC in rushing offense, the only team in the league gaining more than 200 yards per game.

LSU has been slightly less successful rushing, gaining 186.1 yards per game, third in the league. The Tigers' rushing defense is fifth, largely because it was gashed by Florida and Georgia.

LSU junior tailback Charles Scott, the second-leading rusher in the SEC at 111.1 yards per game, said the Alabama challenge is suited to him and his offensive line.

"We're going to do what we do every week -- we're going to come right at them," Scott said, insisting an ankle he twisted against Tulane will not slow him this weekend.

LSU won't alter plans to run against Alabama's formidable defense